Do I need to apply for a Student's Pass?
All international SMU students are required to apply for a Student's Pass, unless you have a Dependent's Pass (with letter of consent issued by the Immigration Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or an Immigration Exemption Order. The visa application procedure varies for different levels of education and different educational institutions.

If I have a dependent pass, do I still have to apply for a Student's Pass?
Dependant Pass Holders can choose to retain their dependant pass before reaching 21 years of age instead of having to apply for a Student's Pass. However, they are still required to go through the application process.  The student can then proceed to ICA with their Form 16, Approval letter and a letter requesting for a letter of consent (LOC) to study. This is a self written letter to be sign by student and if present, the parent as well. On receipt of the 3 items, ICA will issue him/her a LOC. Students may choose to retain their dependant's pass but ICA must issue them with a letter of consent (LOC) to study.

How do I apply for a Student's Pass?
SMU's Office of Undergraduate Admissions (OUA) will assist all international students, who have been admitted to SMU, in their application for a Student's Pass. Postgraduate students will be assisted by their respective Graduate Offices. The pass, which is valid for the entire duration of the course of study, will be processed and approved by ICA.

Application for Student's Pass is done online at the ICA website. You must receive a SOLAR application number from SMU before you can submit your application online. The Offices will be liaising with all accepted international applicants on Student's Pass application matters. Correspondences will be sent by email. Please ensure that you have stated a valid email address in your application for admission to SMU.

You may visit the ICA website for more details. OUA and the respective Graduate Offices will also be able to provide guidance on the necessary procedures.

For undergraduates with further queries concerning their Student's Pass application, please contact:

For postgraduates, please contact your respective Graduate Offices.

I am a foreign student. How do I know if I need a visa to visit Singapore?
For students who require visas to enter Singapore, the Student's Pass In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter will include a Single-Journey Entry Visa for your stay in Singapore till you have completed all formalities upon your arrival in Singapore. We will send the IPA letter via email once your Student's Pass application is approved. You can use the letter as a visa to enter Singapore. You are not required to apply for a separate visa.

If you wish to visit Singapore for personal reasons, please refer to the ICA website for a list of countries whose nationals require visas to enter Singapore .

How long does it take for my on-line application to be processed?
Student's Pass applications submitted electronically are generally processed in 5 working days for foreigners who do not require a visa to enter Singapore. For foreigners who require a visa to enter Singapore, the general processing time is 10 working days. Some applications may take a longer time to process.

What if I recently change my citizenship?
If you have recently changed your citizenship, you are required to bring along the following documents during the Checklist for Verification & Card Collection Day, please refer to the SMU Matriculation website for more information.

Official Change of Citizenship:
To Singapore Citizen
- New NRIC/Passport; and/or
- Citizenship Certificate

To Singapore PR
- NRIC; and
- Passport; and
- Re-entry Permit

For postgraduates, please contact your respective Graduate Offices for more information.

Are there any vaccination requirements for foreigners visiting Singapore?
Visitors coming from or who pass through any country which is partially or wholly endemic for yellow fever or cholera within six days prior to their arrival to Singapore will have to produce recognised certificates of vaccination.

Should I inform ICA if I change my address?
Yes, you should inform ICA if you do move. Notification can be made personally at ICA. You will have to fill up the change of address form and submit your passport, Student's Pass and disembarkation/embarkation card for updating purposes.

Are Bridging Students required to apply for a new Student's Pass if offered a place in SMU programmes?
SMU bridging students are required to surrender the old Student's Pass to ICA before the expiry date indicated on the Student's Pass. A new application is required for students joining the undergraduate programmes in August.

If you wish to stay in Singapore after the expiry date of the Student's Pass for the bridging programme, you are required to apply for a new social visit pass at ICA .

Can I remain in Singapore after my Student's Pass has expired as my flight is only confirmed after the expiry date?
If you wish to stay in Singapore after your Student's Pass expires, or if an application of extension is made after the expiry of your Student's Pass, you may apply for a social visit pass through the Visitor Services Centre, ICA (4th storey). Please bring along a confirmed air ticket for your departure.

If your social visit pass has expired, you are deemed to be unlawfully residing in Singapore and will be liable for payment of a maximum fine of S$500, failing which you will be charged in court.

What should I do if I terminate my studies early?
On early termination of your studies (e.g. withdrawal or refused re-admission) at the University, students should bring their Student's Pass to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) within 7 days of cessation of the studies for cancellation.

As an international student, can I work part-time?
A full-time matriculated international student of the university holding a valid Student’s Pass may take up employment in Singapore during the vacation and is exempted from applying for a work permit as stated in the Work Permit Exemptions Notification.

However, during term time, a student holding a valid Student’s Pass is only allowed to work part-time for less than 16 hours per week. A letter of consent is not required from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority or the university.